Newcastle United pay the price for Joselu penalty miss

Supporters in the Gallowgate End held up banners featuring a long and noble quote from Kevin Keegan, their former manager, in protest at Mike Ashley’s ownership. “Don’t ever give up on your club,” a section of it read. At Newcastle United, a club that specialises in its own discomfort, that can be a ferocious challenge.

Yesterday’s belated surge of movement in the transfer market was followed by a familiar, creeping dread. It is now eight games since Newcastle won at home, a run that stretches back to October 21 and the latest disappointment was crystallised by Burnley’s sapping equaliser, the ball bouncing in via Karl Darlow’s head after the goalkeeper had pushed an effort from Sam Vokes against the crossbar.